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Introduction
Constipation is the most uncomfortable yet common problem one can go through. A lot of people experience constipation from time to time, mainly during pregnancy or when they take certain medications. However, constipation can have a severe negative impact on quality of life, and on physical as well as mental health. There are various potential causes of constipation, but luckily, there are also various treatments for it. Altering your lifestyle habits or options for home remedies may be all you need in order to treat occasional constipation. In this article, we, at MH Surgery Clinic, have brought to you several natural ways to get rid of constipation.
Natural Remedies For Constipation
1. Drink Lots Of Water
Dehydration on a regular basis can make you constipated. In order to prevent this, it is essential to drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated. When you are constipated, you may find relief from drinking some carbonated water. This may help rehydrate and get things going again. However, consuming carbonated drinks like sugary soda is not a good idea as it can have harmful effects and may make your situation worse. Even in general, you must drink about nine cups of liquids every day. But if you are constipated or taking fiber supplements, you must drink more water.
2. Eat More Fiber
Adding sufficient amounts of fiber to your diet is essential. The two main types of fiber are soluble fiber which soaks up water and keeps your stool soft, and insoluble fiber which adds bulk to your stool, thereby helping it move through your digestive system faster. In order to treat mild cases of constipation, you must try eating easy-to-digest foods that contain fiber like bananas, berries, prunes, or avocado. On the other hand, if you wish to prevent future constipation-related problems, you must include fiber-rich foods in your diet such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You will also benefit from a daily fiber supplement like psyllium.
3. Exercise
Many research studies have shown that exercise can help better the symptoms of constipation. On some days, you may not feel like going to the gym when you are backed up. But keep in mind that exercise can offer just the relief you need. For instance, going for a run can help stimulate the muscles in your intestines and colon. Any physical activity can help the bowels move things through. In order to relieve and prevent constipation, you must make exercise a regular part of your routine. Aim for about an hour and a half of moderate aerobic activity every week which is equivalent to 30 minutes of exercise every day, five days a week. If this seems too much for you, set a smaller goal at first and try to get some physical movement every day to stay regular.
4. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil contains high amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Both are essential for gut health. It offers myriads of health benefits one of which is helping to enhance digestion. Studies have shown that flaxseed oil helps in softening stools and stimulate bowel movements, thereby making it an excellent treatment for chronic constipation.
5. Naturopathy
Naturopathy can also serve as a beneficial treatment. Naturopaths use various treatments like supplements, herbs, and homeopathy to treat chronic constipation as well as other gastrointestinal problems.
6. Magnesium Supplements
Adding sufficient amounts of magnesium to your diet may also help in relieving constipation. Oral magnesium supplements work as osmotic laxatives. This means that they pull water into your digestive system and therefore, help soften your stool.
Bottom Line!
Apart from the natural treatments discussed above, consuming caffeine is also a great way to prevent constipation. For some people, it can increase the urge to go to the bathroom. This is because caffeine stimulates the muscles in your digestive system. The best part is that coffee also contains small amounts of soluble fibers that help in preventing constipation by working on the balance of gut bacteria. Now that you know the many treatments for chronic constipation, it is time to make some lifestyle changes. If you still experience the problem, then it may be time to start looking for the best gastroenterology hospital in Bangalore such as MH Surgery Clinic. Only the best gastroenterologist surgeon in Bangalore can help diagnose the underlying cause of your constipation and only then will they be able to treat it. So, get in touch with MH Surgery Clinic, the best multispeciality hospital in Bangalore today, and treat your constipation.
Author: DR. MANJUNATH HARIDAS (MD FACS FICS)
Dr. Manjunath Haridas is one of the leading surgeons for Gastrointestinal Sciences in Whitefield, Bangalore. His area of expertise includes Gastrointestinal Surgery - Colon Rectum, Foregut Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, and Minimally invasive surgery. He is Honored by the American Board of Certification, fellow Of the American College of Surgeons, SAGES membership and more.